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Agronomy
Volume 14
Issue 8
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Agronomy, Volume 14, Issue 8 (August 2024) – 277 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The identification and preservation of alpine rye ecotypes in Valtellina (Italy) has been the object of a recent study. Fourteen rye accessions, including two commercial varieties, were analyzed through genetic, agronomic, and phytochemical methods. The findings revealed two distinct genetic lineages: P1 (lower valley) and P2 (upper valley). P2 accessions exhibited superior agronomic traits, while phytochemical analysis highlighted high-performing Valtellina landraces. This study emphasizes the importance of conserving these ecotypes for local agriculture and resilience against climate change.View this paper
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13 pages, 618 KiB  
Article
Response of Wheat to Pre-Emergence and Early Post-Emergence Herbicides
by Thomas Gitsopoulos, Ioannis Georgoulas, Despoina Botsoglou and Eirini Vazanelli
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081875 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 558
Abstract
A two-year field experiment was conducted in two consecutive seasons to evaluate the response of wheat to pre-emergence (PRE) and early post-emergence (EPOST) herbicides. The herbicides prosulfocarb (3200 g ai ha−1) and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican (1380 + 92 g ai ha [...] Read more.
A two-year field experiment was conducted in two consecutive seasons to evaluate the response of wheat to pre-emergence (PRE) and early post-emergence (EPOST) herbicides. The herbicides prosulfocarb (3200 g ai ha−1) and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican (1380 + 92 g ai ha−1) were applied PRE, whereas the herbicides flufenacet plus diflufenican (240 + 120 g ai ha−1) and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin (119.7 + 119.7 + 44.8 g ai ha−1) were applied EPOST at the second leaf growth stage of wheat. Heavy rainfalls that followed the PRE treatments and cold temperatures that occurred during the EPOST applications resulted in crop injuries and reduced yields in prosulfocarb, chlorotoluron plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican the first and the second year, respectively. Weather conditions such as heavy rainfalls and low temperatures that may occur during and after herbicide treatments should be considered to avoid crop injuries and increase crop safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)
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26 pages, 13382 KiB  
Article
Construction and Characteristic Analysis of Dynamic Stress Coupling Simulation Models for the Attitude-Adjustable Chassis of a Combine Harvester
by Xiaoyu Chai, Jinpeng Hu, Tianle Ma, Peng Liu, Maolin Shi, Linjun Zhu, Min Zhang and Lizhang Xu
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081874 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 433
Abstract
The combine harvester equipped with attitude-adjustment functionality significantly enhances its adaptability to complex terrain but often struggles to maintain the reliability of its mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the dynamic load characteristics of the attitude-adjustment mechanism becomes imperative. This article employed the DEM–FMBD (Discrete Element [...] Read more.
The combine harvester equipped with attitude-adjustment functionality significantly enhances its adaptability to complex terrain but often struggles to maintain the reliability of its mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the dynamic load characteristics of the attitude-adjustment mechanism becomes imperative. This article employed the DEM–FMBD (Discrete Element Method–Flexible Multibody Dynamics) bidirectional coupling simulation method to establish a multibody dynamic model of a tracked combine harvester. The study delved into the interaction mechanism and dynamic stress response characteristics between the tracked chassis and the complex terrain under various height adjustments, lateral adjustment angles, longitudinal adjustment angles, and different field-ridge crossing methods. Finally, the accuracy of the coupled simulation model was validated through a constructed stress detection system. The research findings revealed that the displacement and tilt angle deviation of the hydraulic cylinders utilized to execute the chassis adjustment actions in the constructed coupled simulation model was less than 5%, and the deviation between the simulation results and the actual maximum dynamic stress under multiple working conditions ranged from 7% to 15%. This verification confirmed the effectiveness of the DEM–FMBD coupled simulation method. Under different adjustment conditions, the maximum stress position was consistently distributed in the same area of the left-front and left-rear rotating arms. The primary and secondary effects of the various parts of the adjustment mechanism on the overall reliability of the chassis were as follows: left front > right front > left rear > right rear. By implementing the middle height with the adjustment strategy, the dynamic stress extreme value of the adjustment mechanism can be effectively reduced by 21.98%, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the chassis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Intelligent Agriculture: Perception Technologies and Agricultural Equipment for Crop Production Processes)
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10 pages, 1558 KiB  
Brief Report
Identification and Molecular Characterization of a 16SrII-A Phytoplasma Associated with Cucumber Phyllody in China
by Youwei Xi, Mengdan Du, Yafei Tang, Xiaoman She, Guobing Lan, Lin Yu, Shanwen Ding, Zifu He and Zhenggang Li
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081873 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) displaying symptoms of phyllody, sterility, and flower virescence were observed in fields located in the Dianbai district of Guangdong province, China. Total DNA was extracted from the symptomatic plants; this was followed by molecular detection using a [...] Read more.
Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) displaying symptoms of phyllody, sterility, and flower virescence were observed in fields located in the Dianbai district of Guangdong province, China. Total DNA was extracted from the symptomatic plants; this was followed by molecular detection using a set of universal phytoplasma primer pairs, R16mF2/mR1, P1/P7, and SecYF1(II)/SecYR1(II). This resulted in the PCR amplification of products corresponding to expected sizes of 1.4 kb, 1.8 kb and 1.7 kb, respectively. The 16S rDNA sequence obtained exhibited 100% similarity with the eggplant phyllody phytoplasma, the ‘Cleome rutidosperma’ witches’ broom phytoplasma, and the ‘Desmodium ovalifolium’ witches’ broom phytoplasma strain DeOWB, all of which belong to the 16SrII group. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rDNA gene and SecY gene sequences, confirmed the close affiliation of the detected phytoplasma isolate, tentatively designated as cucumber phyllody phytoplasma (CuPh) China isolate, with the 16SrII-A subgroup. Additionally, virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence revealed a pattern that was identical to that of the 16SrII-A subgroup. This is the first report of cucumber phyllody phytoplasma in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Crop Protection and Agrobiotechnology)
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11 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
Chemical and Biological Investigation on the Potential Ornamental Plant Ophiorrhiza chinensis
by Qing Bu, Zeng-Yue Ge and Lin-Fu Liang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081872 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 386
Abstract
An investigation of the potential ornamental plant Ophiorrhiza chinensis H.S. Lo (Rubiaceae) was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of eight structurally diverse compounds, including two triterpenes, two steroids, two anthraquinones, one alkaloid, and one coumarin. These chemical constituents were isolated by repeated [...] Read more.
An investigation of the potential ornamental plant Ophiorrhiza chinensis H.S. Lo (Rubiaceae) was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of eight structurally diverse compounds, including two triterpenes, two steroids, two anthraquinones, one alkaloid, and one coumarin. These chemical constituents were isolated by repeated column chromatography and identified by analysis of their NMR spectral data. All of these substances were found in this species for the first time, and four of them were first isolated from the genus Ophiorrhiza. The chemotaxonomic importance of these isolates was discussed, indicating four chemotaxonomic markers for O. chinensis. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of these isolates was evaluated by a colorimetric method. As a result, six phytochemicals demonstrated moderate tyrosinase inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 25.7 μM to 68.1 μM. Moreover, the binding modes between the active compounds and the mushroom tyrosinase were analyzed preliminarily assisted by molecular docking calculations. This study filled up the knowledge gap of the unreported phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of secondary metabolites from the species O. chinensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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15 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Yield Performance of RD6 Glutinous Rice near Isogenic Lines Evaluated under Field Disease Infection at Northeastern Thailand
by Jirapong Yangklang, Jirawat Sanitchon, Jonaliza L. Siangliw, Tidarat Monkham, Sompong Chankaew, Meechai Siangliw, Kanyanath Sirithunya and Theerayut Toojinda
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081871 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 395
Abstract
RD6, the most popular glutinous rice in Thailand, is high in quality but susceptible to blast and bacterial blight disease. It was thus improved for disease resistance through marker-assisted backcross selection (MAS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of [...] Read more.
RD6, the most popular glutinous rice in Thailand, is high in quality but susceptible to blast and bacterial blight disease. It was thus improved for disease resistance through marker-assisted backcross selection (MAS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of improved near isogenic lines. Eight RD6 rice near isogenic lines (NILs) derived from MAS were selected for evaluation with RD6, a standard susceptible check variety, as well as recurrent parent for a total of nine genotypes. The experiment was conducted during the wet season under six environments at three locations, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, and Roi Et, which was repeated at two years from 2019 to 2020. Nine genotypes, including eight RD6 rice near isogenic lines (NILs) selected from two in-tandem breeding programs and the standard check variety RD6, were evaluated to select the high-performance new improved lines. The first group, including four NILs G1–G4, was gene pyramiding of blast and BB resistance genes, and the second group, including another four NILs G5–G8, was gene pyramiding of blast resistance and salt tolerance genes. Field disease screening was observed for all environments. Two disease occurrences, blast (leaf blast) and bacterial blight, were found during the rainy season of all environments. The NILs containing blast resistance genes were excellent in gene expression. On the other hand, the improved lines containing the xa5 gene were not highly resistant under the severe stress of bacterial blight (Nong Khai 2020). Notwithstanding, G2 was greater among the NILs for yield maintenance than the other genotypes. The agronomic traits of most NILs were the same as RD6. Interestingly, the traits of G2 were different in plant type from RD6, specifically photosensitivity and plant height. Promising rice RD6 NILs with high yield stability, good agronomic traits, and disease resistance were identified in the genotypes G1, G2, and G7. The high yield stability G1 and G7 are recommended for widespread use in rain-fed areas. The G2 is specifically recommended for use in the bacterial blight (BB) disease prone areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Molecular Breeding and Genetics)
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21 pages, 2480 KiB  
Article
Hidden Secrets of Mangrove Swamp Rice Stored Seeds in Guinea-Bissau: Assessment of Fungal Communities and Implications for Food Security
by Sofia Conde, Amidu Barai, Sílvia Catarino, Gonçalo J. Costa, Sónia Ferreira, Idília Tavares, Maria Rosa Ferreira, Marina Padrão Temudo and Filipa Monteiro
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081870 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 630
Abstract
Rice cultivation is one of the most important agro-economic activities in many countries, and the correct seed storage between production cycles is essential for crop success. In Guinea-Bissau, mangrove swamp rice (MSR) is a highly productive rice cropping system, thus providing surplus for [...] Read more.
Rice cultivation is one of the most important agro-economic activities in many countries, and the correct seed storage between production cycles is essential for crop success. In Guinea-Bissau, mangrove swamp rice (MSR) is a highly productive rice cropping system, thus providing surplus for sale. Depending on storage conditions, rice grains may present moisture, insects, or the development of fungi that might affect crop productivity. Considering different rice varieties and storage conditions, samples were collected from 30 farmers within 13 villages across the main MSR-producing regions. Stored rice was used to isolate and identify seed-borne fungi through DNA barcoding, to test aflatoxin content, and to evaluate seed germination rates. Polyethylene bags (the container), raised wooden platforms, and storage rooms (the structures) are the most used facilities. Hermetic containers were recorded mainly in Oio. A total fungal richness of 18 genera was found, and 16 different species were identified. The most represented fungal genera are Aspergillus, Curvularia, and Bipolaris. Despite the presence of aflatoxin-producing fungal samples, they did not present concerning levels for human consumption, and the germination rate was not affected regardless of storage structures. These results provide a baseline on fungi occurrence in stored MSR seeds from traditional facilities in Guinea-Bissau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seeds for Future: Conservation and Utilization of Germplasm Resources)
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13 pages, 3814 KiB  
Article
Changes in Soil Organic Matter Associated with Land Use of Arenosols from Southern Botswana
by Donald Kgathi, Mogodisheng Sekhwela and Gonzalo Almendros
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081869 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 371
Abstract
The effect of land use on sandy soils of southern Botswana was carried out by comparing the composition and properties of soil organic matter. Non-disturbed and disturbed soils were sampled from savanna ecosystems (Central District and Kweneng District). The biodegradability of organic matter [...] Read more.
The effect of land use on sandy soils of southern Botswana was carried out by comparing the composition and properties of soil organic matter. Non-disturbed and disturbed soils were sampled from savanna ecosystems (Central District and Kweneng District). The biodegradability of organic matter was evaluated by incubation in the laboratory. Humic fractions were quantified and humic acids were analyzed by visible and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that continued disturbance, whether due to grazing or subsistence farming, has resulted in small yet significant changes in the concentration of available nutrients and organic matter in the soil. Nevertheless, substantial changes could be established in the soil C/N ratio, in the humic acid/fulvic acid ratio, and in the biodegradability of soil organic matter and the structural characteristics of humic acids. The increased aromaticity of humic acid (visible and IR spectroscopies) following disturbance suggests increased biogeochemical activity and/or the impact of abiotic processes (such as periodic fires) selectively removing aliphatic constituents. The overall results indicate low potential soil fertility, the sustainable preservation of which depends more on features related to quality than on the total amount of the soil organic matter, which shows aromatization parallel to its degree of association with the mineral fraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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14 pages, 3054 KiB  
Article
Correlation Analysis of Riparian Plant Communities with Soil Ions in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Reaches of Heihe River Midstream in China
by Zhikai Wang, Guopeng Chen, Jie Li and Jian Jiao
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1868; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081868 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Our study examined the relationships between riparian plant communities and their soil properties along the midstream of the Heihe River in northwestern China’s arid region. Significant variations in species composition were observed across the upper, middle, and lower reaches of this midstream (adonis2 [...] Read more.
Our study examined the relationships between riparian plant communities and their soil properties along the midstream of the Heihe River in northwestern China’s arid region. Significant variations in species composition were observed across the upper, middle, and lower reaches of this midstream (adonis2 and anosim, p < 0.001). The lower reaches exhibited higher species diversity (Shannon index up to 2.12) compared to the other reaches. Gramineous plants, particularly Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. and Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., dominated all reaches, with relative abundances exceeding 50% in the upper reach sites. The soil ionic concentration showed distinct spatial heterogeneity, peaking at site 9 (upper reaches) and lowest at site 3 (lower reaches). Species diversity indices negatively correlated with SO42−, Mg2+, and Ca2+ concentrations, while salt-tolerant species like Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. and Phragmites australis Trin. positively correlated with Na+ and Cl− levels. Soil nutrients had weaker but notable effects on the distribution of Onopordum acanthium L. and Artemisia argyi H. Lév. and Vaniot. These findings suggest that riparian plant community distribution along the Heihe River is influenced by complex interactions between hydrological processes, salt dynamics, and soil physicochemical properties, such as anion and cation concentrations and electrical conductivity (EC). Our research provides valuable insights for understanding and managing riparian ecosystems in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
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16 pages, 3780 KiB  
Article
How Do Drought, Heat Stress, and Their Combination Impact Stem Reserve Mobilization in Wheat Genotypes?
by Behrouz Vaezi, Ahmad Arzani and Thomas H. Roberts
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081867 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Drought and heat stresses represent the primary agricultural challenges in arid and semiarid regions globally. In wheat, among the most vulnerable stages to these stresses is the grain-filling process. This critical phase relies heavily on photosynthesis during the late growth stage and the [...] Read more.
Drought and heat stresses represent the primary agricultural challenges in arid and semiarid regions globally. In wheat, among the most vulnerable stages to these stresses is the grain-filling process. This critical phase relies heavily on photosynthesis during the late growth stage and the mobilization of stem reserves. This study evaluated 60 spring wheat lines from the CIMMYT-Mexico Core Germplasm (CIMCOG) panel alongside four Iranian wheat cultivars under normal, drought, heat, and combined drought and heat stress conditions in two growing seasons. Several agronomic traits, including those associated with stem reserve mobilization, were assessed during the study. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant impacts of both independent and combined drought and heat stresses on the measured traits. Moreover, these stresses influenced the inter-relationships among the traits. High-yielding genotypes were identified through a combination of ranking and genotype and genotype by environment (GGE) biplot analysis. Among the top 40 genotypes, 21 were identified as environment-specific, while 19 remained common across at least two environments. Environmental dependence of grain yield responses to the sinks including stem reserve mobilization and spike reserve mobilization was found. Utilizing a machine learning algorithm, a regression tree analysis unveiled specific traits—including grain filling and canopy temperature—that contributed significantly to the high-yielding features of the identified genotypes under the various environmental conditions. These traits can serve as indirect selection criteria for enhancing yield under stressful conditions and can also be targeted for manipulation to improve wheat stress tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Biology and Breeding under Environmental Stress)
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19 pages, 40086 KiB  
Article
Nanopriming-Induced Enhancement of Cucumber Seedling Development: Exploring Biochemical and Physiological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles
by Beatriz Pintos, Hugo de Diego and Arancha Gomez-Garay
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1866; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081866 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Nanopriming, a technique that involves treating seeds with nanoparticles, is gaining attention for enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. This study explored the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized using Ascorbic acid, Caffeic acid, and Gallic acid, on cucumber seedling development. The nanoparticles, [...] Read more.
Nanopriming, a technique that involves treating seeds with nanoparticles, is gaining attention for enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. This study explored the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized using Ascorbic acid, Caffeic acid, and Gallic acid, on cucumber seedling development. The nanoparticles, characterized by spherical morphology and distinct optical properties, showed varying effects based on the type and concentration of the reducing agents used. AgNP treatments generally led to higher germination rates and improved shoot and root growth compared to controls. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments influenced plant physiology, affecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress markers, and the content of amino acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and soluble sugars. Specifically, certain AgNP treatments reduced oxidative stress, while others increased oxidative damage. Additionally, variations in free amino acids and phenolic and flavonoid contents were noted, suggesting complex interactions between nanoparticles and plant biochemical pathways. These findings highlight the potential of nanopriming in agriculture and underscore the need for further research to optimize nanoparticle formulations for different plant species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology under Abiotic Stress)
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23 pages, 3269 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Some Reactive Oxygen Species Treatments on the Yield and Changes in the Chemical Composition of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.)
by Karol Skrobacz, Małgorzata Szostek and Maciej Balawejder
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081865 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 415
Abstract
In agriculture, there are various types of progress, and trends in agricultural production include the minimized use of chemicals and the production of food with favorable taste and increased nutritional value. In this study, during a three-year field experiment on potato cultivar Agria, [...] Read more.
In agriculture, there are various types of progress, and trends in agricultural production include the minimized use of chemicals and the production of food with favorable taste and increased nutritional value. In this study, during a three-year field experiment on potato cultivar Agria, ozone was applied in a fumigation process with an invented device, and hydrogen peroxide was applied as a foliar spray. The yield of ozone-treated plants was lower than of the control plants. Hydrogen peroxide treatment did not affect the yield of potatoes. Ozone fumigation had a positive effect on the chemical composition of tubers, while in the case of hydrogen peroxide, this effect occurred only in one year of research and only for selected parameters. The antioxidant response of plants, which is a defense response to artificially induced oxidative stress, contributes to the production of antioxidant-like metabolites by increasing the antiradical activity of crops by 3–23%, increasing the total content of polyphenolic compounds by 12–108%, and increasing the total antioxidant capacity by 23–42%. The obtained results confirmed that appropriate doses of ROS can be used in the field cultivation of potatoes to increase the nutritional value of tubers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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13 pages, 1206 KiB  
Article
Effects of Reducing Chemical Fertilisers Application on Tea Production and Soils Quality: An In Situ Field Experiment in Jiangsu, China
by Zhenmin Hu, Huan Li, Lingfei Ji and Yiyang Yang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1864; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081864 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 422
Abstract
In order to achieve sustainable development of the tea industry in China, it is necessary to reduce the use of chemical fertiliser rationally. With conventional fertilisation (CF) treatment as the control, five different chemical fertiliser-reduced regimes, including tea-specific formula fertiliser (T1), T1 + [...] Read more.
In order to achieve sustainable development of the tea industry in China, it is necessary to reduce the use of chemical fertiliser rationally. With conventional fertilisation (CF) treatment as the control, five different chemical fertiliser-reduced regimes, including tea-specific formula fertiliser (T1), T1 + acidification amendment (T2), organic substitution based on T1 (T3), urea formaldehyde slow-release fertiliser (T4) and carbon-based organic fertiliser (T5), were conducted and evaluated on a green tea plantation from 2018 to 2021. The results showed that the spring tea yield of T1–T5 increased by 4.65–28.67%, while the free amino acids, tea polyphenols and sensory evaluation scores did not remarkably decrease. In addition, the T1–T5 treatments had a slight effect on soil acidification mitigation (except T2) and maintained the essential nutrients for tea production. Nutrient use efficiency improved, with agronomic efficiency (AE) increasing by 0.01–0.08 kg kg−1, shoot nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by 0.14–0.70% and partial factor productivity (PFP) by 0.05–0.18 kg kg−1. The net economic benefits also improved, with T1 showing a 135.28% increase, followed by T3 (67.53%), T2 (48.65%), T4 (38.07%) and T5 (33.35%). Overall, our results indicated that the T1 treatment could maintain the tea yield and quality while reducing the chemical fertiliser input and maximising the net economic benefit and AE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agrotechnical Factors and Farming Systems on Soil Properties and Plant Productivity)
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19 pages, 2999 KiB  
Article
Impact of Irrigation Management Decisions on the Water Footprint of Processing Tomatoes in Southern Spain
by Gregorio Egea, Pedro Castro-Valdecantos, Eugenio Gómez-Durán, Teresa Munuera, Jesús M. Domínguez-Niño and Pedro A. Nortes
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081863 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 568
Abstract
The water footprint is an increasingly demanded environmental sustainability indicator for certifications and labels in agricultural production. Processing tomatoes are highly water-intensive, and existing studies on water footprint have uncertainties and do not consider the impact of different irrigation configurations (e.g., surface drip [...] Read more.
The water footprint is an increasingly demanded environmental sustainability indicator for certifications and labels in agricultural production. Processing tomatoes are highly water-intensive, and existing studies on water footprint have uncertainties and do not consider the impact of different irrigation configurations (e.g., surface drip irrigation (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI)) and irrigation strategies. This study presents a two-year experimental investigation to determine the water footprint of processing tomatoes grown in southern Spain (Andalusia) and the impact of SSDI and deficit irrigation. Five irrigation treatments were established: SDI1 (surface drip irrigation without water limitation), SDI2 (surface drip irrigation without water limitation adjusted by soil moisture readings), SSDI1 (subsurface drip irrigation without water limitation and a dripline depth of 15 cm), SSDI2 (similar to SSDI1 but with mild/moderate water deficit during the fruit ripening stage), and SSDI3 (subsurface drip irrigation without water limitation and a dripline depth of 35 cm (first year) and 25 cm (second year)). Measurements included crop vegetative growth, leaf water potential, leaf gas exchange, nitrate concentration in soil solution, and crop yield and quality. The soil water balance components (actual evaporation, actual transpiration, deep drainage), necessary for determining the total crop water footprint, were simulated on a daily scale using Hydrus 2D software. Results indicated that SSDI makes more efficient use of irrigation water than SDI. The water footprint of SSDI1 was 20–35% lower than that of SDI1. SSDI2 showed similar water footprint values to SDI1 under highly demanding environmental conditions and significantly lower values (≈40%) in a year with lower evaporative demand. The dripline depth in SSDI was critical to the water footprint. With a 35 cm installation depth, SSDI3 had a significantly higher water footprint than the other treatments, while the values were similar to SSDI1 when the depth was reduced to 25 cm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Water Management and Sustainability in Irrigated Agriculture—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 362 KiB  
Review
Satellite Solutions for Precision Viticulture: Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency in Vineyard Management
by Ana Mucalo, Damir Matić, Antonio Morić-Španić and Marin Čagalj
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081862 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 658
Abstract
The priority problem in intensive viticulture is reducing pesticides, and fertilizers, and improving water-use efficiency. This is driven by global and EU regulatory efforts. This review, systematically examines 92 papers, focusing on progress in satellite solutions over time, and (pre)processing improvements of spatio-temporal [...] Read more.
The priority problem in intensive viticulture is reducing pesticides, and fertilizers, and improving water-use efficiency. This is driven by global and EU regulatory efforts. This review, systematically examines 92 papers, focusing on progress in satellite solutions over time, and (pre)processing improvements of spatio-temporal and spectral resolution. The importance of the integration of satellites with ground truth data is highlighted. The results provide precise on-field adaptation strategies through the generation of prescription maps and variable rate application. This enhances sustainability and efficiency in vineyard management and reduces the environmental footprint of vineyard techniques. The effectiveness of different vegetation indices in capturing spatial and temporal variations in vine health, water content, chlorophyll levels, and overall vigor is discussed. The challenges in the use of satellite data in viticulture are addressed. Advanced satellite technologies provide detailed vineyard monitoring, offering insights into spatio-temporal variability, soil moisture, and vine health. These are crucial for optimizing water-use efficiency and targeted management practices. By integrating satellite data with ground-based measurements, viticulturists can enhance precision viticulture, reduce reliance on chemical interventions, and improve overall vineyard sustainability and productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Viticulture for Vineyard Management)
19 pages, 8829 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Biochar Produced in a Mobile Handmade Kiln from Small-Sized Waste Biomass for Agronomic and Climate Change Benefits
by Vinicius John, Ana Rita de Oliveira Braga, Criscian Kellen Amaro de Oliveira Danielli, Heiriane Martins Sousa, Filipe Eduardo Danielli, Rayanne Oliveira de Araujo, Cláudia Saramago de Carvalho Marques-dos-Santos, Newton Paulo de Souza Falcão and João Francisco Charrua Guerra
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1861; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081861 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 834
Abstract
Soil amended with biochar is considered a significant response to climate change, remediation of degraded soils, and agronomic improvements. An artisanal mobile pyrolysis kiln was developed for small-sized biomass inputs. Approximately 190 kg of biochar was produced in 21 carbonisation processes using acai [...] Read more.
Soil amended with biochar is considered a significant response to climate change, remediation of degraded soils, and agronomic improvements. An artisanal mobile pyrolysis kiln was developed for small-sized biomass inputs. Approximately 190 kg of biochar was produced in 21 carbonisation processes using acai residues (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as raw material, as they are among the most abundant agro-industrial residues in the Amazon. It is a valuable and underutilised biomass resource, often inadequately discarded, causing environmental impact and health risks. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of four representative biochar samples from the pyrolysis processes were evaluated using different techniques. The produced biochar had an average pH of 8.8 and the ICP-OES results indicate that the most abundant elements were potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). Results of the elemental composition indicate that the produced biochar has a very stable carbon with an average H/C ratio of 0.23 and O/C ratio of 0.16, indicating that the pyrolysis performed was effective in transforming organic and volatile compounds into stable structures. Variations in nutrient contents call for soil application planning, as performed for other agricultural inputs. The developed mobile kiln can be adapted and favour the decentralisation of biochar production among small and medium-sized producers. Here, we show that even with variations in artisanal production, the biochar produced exhibits favourable characteristics for agronomic use and combating climate changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste to Wealth: Resource Utilization of Agricultural Waste through Effective Biomass Management)
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16 pages, 4204 KiB  
Article
The Use of a Blueberry Ripeness Detection Model in Dense Occlusion Scenarios Based on the Improved YOLOv9
by Weizhi Feng, Meidong Liu, Yan Sun, Suyu Wang and Jingli Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081860 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 552
Abstract
Blueberries are one of the more economically rewarding fruits for fruit growers. Identifying blueberry fruit at different stages of maturity is economically important and can aid fruit growers in planning pesticide applications, estimating yields, and efficiently conducting harvesting operations, among other benefits. Visual [...] Read more.
Blueberries are one of the more economically rewarding fruits for fruit growers. Identifying blueberry fruit at different stages of maturity is economically important and can aid fruit growers in planning pesticide applications, estimating yields, and efficiently conducting harvesting operations, among other benefits. Visual methods for identifying the different ripening stages of fruits are increasingly receiving widespread attention. However, due to the complex natural environment and the serious shading caused by the growth characteristics of blueberries, the accuracy and efficiency of blueberry detection are reduced to varying degrees. To address the above problems, in the study presented herein, we constructed an improved YOLOv9c detection model to accurately detect and identify blueberry fruits at different ripening stages. The size of the network was reduced by introducing the SCConv convolution module, and the detection accuracy of the network in complex and occluded environments was improved by introducing the SE attention module and the MDPIoU loss function. Compared to the original model, the mAP0.5 and mAP0.5:0.95 of the improved YOLOv9c network improved by 0.7% and 0.8%, respectively. The model size was reduced by 3.42 MB, the number of model parameters was reduced by 1.847 M, and the detection time of a single image was reduced by 4.5 ms. The overall performance of the detection model was effectively improved to provide a valuable reference for accurate detection and localization techniques for agricultural picking robots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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17 pages, 1345 KiB  
Article
A Meta-Analysis of 67 Studies on the Control of Grape Sour Rot Revealed Interesting Perspectives for Biocontrol
by Chiara Brischetto, Vittorio Rossi and Giorgia Fedele
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081859 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Sour rot (SR) is a disease complex that affects grape berries during ripening and can cause severe yield losses and deterioration of wine quality. The etiology and epidemiology of the disease remain uncertain, which has severely limited the development of specific, targeted management [...] Read more.
Sour rot (SR) is a disease complex that affects grape berries during ripening and can cause severe yield losses and deterioration of wine quality. The etiology and epidemiology of the disease remain uncertain, which has severely limited the development of specific, targeted management strategies. In this study, a network meta-analysis was applied to data collected through a previous systematic literature review for statistically comparing the efficacy of different methods for the control of SR and some filamentous fungi isolated from rotten berries. Use of either synthetic fungicides (CHEM) and natural compounds or biocontrol microorganisms (BIO) provided partial and variable control of SR; however, the efficacy of BIO was similar to, or higher than, that provided by CHEM. Agronomic practices (AGRO) had a significant but lower effect on SR. The integration of different control methods (IPM) provided better and less variable disease control than any single method. Natural compounds, such as zeolites and bicarbonates, and microorganisms (e.g., yeasts Candida and Aureobasidium) are also promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides in SR control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Approaches towards the Management of Fungal Diseases in Crop Plants)
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13 pages, 2649 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profile of PDCB Gene Family in Zea mays L.
by Jiabao Guo, Shiji Wang, Meichun Zhang, Xiaohan Song and Hongyan Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081858 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 429
Abstract
The plant kingdom harbors the Plasmodesmata Callose Binding Protein (PDCB) gene family, which plays essential roles in plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, and yield. PDCB genes are closely involved in regulating cell-to-cell communication and controlling callose deposition at plasmodesmata (PD) throughout [...] Read more.
The plant kingdom harbors the Plasmodesmata Callose Binding Protein (PDCB) gene family, which plays essential roles in plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, and yield. PDCB genes are closely involved in regulating cell-to-cell communication and controlling callose deposition at plasmodesmata (PD) throughout the whole plant. Remarkably, their functions remain largely unknown in many crops, including maize. This study sought to identify the members of the PDCB gene family within the maize genome and analyze their physicochemical properties and expression patterns. Utilizing bioinformatics methodologies, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the PDCB gene family was performed. The findings revealed that PDCB genes were highly abundant in maize, with a total of 56 PDCB genes identified and categorized into six distinct groups. Members of the PDCB family were dispersed across all chromosomes. The PDCBs within each group exhibited significant similarity in their conserved motifs and gene structures; all members contained the X8 domain, comprising one to five exons, while displaying a straightforward genomic structure. Numerous cis-acting elements associated with plant growth and development, light response, stress-associated responses, and plant hormones were identified in the promoter regions of PDCB genes. Moreover, the PDCBs exhibited diverse expression patterns across various tissues. This study improves the comprehension of the PDCB gene family and provides a robust foundation for further research on maize. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Ecological Remediation and Farming Sustainability—Volume II)
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18 pages, 4621 KiB  
Article
Exogenously Applied Sodium Nitroprusside Alleviated Cadmium Toxicity in Different Aromatic Rice Cultivars by Improving Nitric Oxide Accumulation and Modulating Oxidative Metabolism
by Muhammad Imran, Saddam Hussain, Muhammad Shoaib Rana, Anas Iqbal, Naveed Ur Rehman, Xiaoyuan Chen and Xiangru Tang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081857 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Exogenous application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has previously been reported to trigger plant tolerance against a variety of environmental stresses. The present study was planned to investigate the possible role/s of exogenously applied SNP (50 or 100 μM) in alleviating cadmium (Cd)-induced effects [...] Read more.
Exogenous application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has previously been reported to trigger plant tolerance against a variety of environmental stresses. The present study was planned to investigate the possible role/s of exogenously applied SNP (50 or 100 μM) in alleviating cadmium (Cd)-induced effects on physio-biochemical processes, yield attributes, and grain quality traits of three fragrant rice cultivars, viz., Meixiangzhan-2 (MXZ), Guixiangzhan (GXZ), and Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ) under 50 mg Cd kg−1 of soil. The results revealed that foliar spray of SNP (50 or 100 μM) on Cd-stressed rice plants reduced oxidative stress (lower hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL)) and improved the photosynthetic apparatus through higher chlorophyll contents, gas exchange attributes, and intact chloroplast configurations, and reduced Cd concentration in the leaves and grains of aromatic rice cultivars. The reduced levels of cellular ROS, MDA, and EL were related to the endogenous NO-mediated improvement in the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes and those involved during the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. However, among the different SNP levels, the foliar spraying of 50 μM of SNP was recorded to be the best treatment for fragrant rice growth, which increased grain yield by 42.06%, 46.03%, and 31.21%, and the quality trait of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content by 43.12%, 55.84%, and 35.72% in MXZ, GXZ, and XYXZ respectively, suggesting that GXZ is more responsive to SNP than MXZ and XYXZ fragrant rice cultivars. Collectively, our results deduced that cultivating the GXZ fragrant rice cultivar along with foliar application of 50 μM of SNP could sustain the grain yield and quality features of aromatic rice cultivation in heavy metal (especially Cd)-polluted soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Qualitative and Quantitative Plant Screening Measurements for Yield and Quality Enhancement)
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14 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Different Humate Ureas on Soil Mineral N Balanced Supply
by Shengjun Bai, Lingying Xu, Rongkui Ren, Yue Luo, Xiaoqi Liu, Jingli Guo, Xu Zhao and Wentai Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081856 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 420
Abstract
Urea supplements, such as humic acids, could enhance fertilizer nitrogen use effectiveness. Melting is superior to mixing for humate urea application; however, the effects of diverse humate ureas from various coal sources on soil N supply remain unclear. This study compared the properties [...] Read more.
Urea supplements, such as humic acids, could enhance fertilizer nitrogen use effectiveness. Melting is superior to mixing for humate urea application; however, the effects of diverse humate ureas from various coal sources on soil N supply remain unclear. This study compared the properties of two humic acids from different coal sources (HA1, weathered coal; HA2, lignite coal), and their impact on soil mineral N supply and the nitrate–ammonium ratio under flooded and 60% water-filled pore space (WFPS) over a 14-day incubation. Humate ureas stimulated soil mineral N accumulation and balanced the soil nitrate–ammonium ratio at 1:1; however, no significant difference existed between the two humate ureas under 60% WFPS. Humate urea enhanced soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) retention and delayed nitrate nitrogen (NH4−-N) release, leading to soil mineral N retention, especially in lignite humic acid urea (H2AU) treatments from lignite under flooding. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and linear regression revealed that humic acids elevated soil redox potential (Eh) and electrical conductivity (EC), stimulating soil N mineralization and adjusting the optimal nitrate–ammonium ratio. Humate urea improved soil mineral N supply compared to traditional urea treatments, and humic acids from lignite were more beneficial for crop cultivation from a mineral soil N supply perspective. These findings enhance our understanding of humate urea benefits and aid in optimizing humic acids application for N management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Application Effects and Mechanisms of Fertilizer Products)
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16 pages, 3299 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Three-Year Grazing on Plant Community Dynamics and Productivity in Habahe, China
by Guoyan Zeng, Mao Ye, Miaomiao Li, Weilong Chen, Qingzhi He, Xiaoting Pan, Xi Zhang, Jing Che, Jiaoron Qian and Yexin Lv
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081855 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 448
Abstract
The stability, diversity, and biomass of grassland plant communities directly impact the functionality and resilience of ecosystems, making them a focal point for ecological research. This three-year study (2021–2023) in the Habahe pastoral area of Xinjiang, China, aimed to investigate the long-term effects [...] Read more.
The stability, diversity, and biomass of grassland plant communities directly impact the functionality and resilience of ecosystems, making them a focal point for ecological research. This three-year study (2021–2023) in the Habahe pastoral area of Xinjiang, China, aimed to investigate the long-term effects of grazing on grassland vegetation structure, community stability, species diversity, and productivity. The results indicate the following. (1) The Habahe pastoral area hosts a relatively rich plant species diversity, with 40 species distributed across 17 families and 37 genera, predominantly comprising perennial and annual herbs. (2) Grazing significantly affected grassland structure and function, resulting in a 4.35% decrease in plant community stability, a 40.74% decrease in species richness, a 21.55% decrease in species dominance, a 5.08% decrease in species diversity, a 46.79% decrease in aboveground biomass, a 61.86% decrease in coverage, and a 72.12% decrease in height. (3) Grazing alters the relationship between species diversity and community stability, shifting it from a positive correlation to a negative one (p < 0.01) or rendering it non-significant after grazing. (4) Grazing affects the correlation between aboveground biomass and both species diversity and community stability. While the positive correlation between aboveground biomass and species diversity persists, it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05) after grazing. Conversely, the correlation between aboveground biomass and community stability shifts from positive to negative (p < 0.01). These results emphasize the need for integrated management strategies that consider both grazing intensity and plant community composition to maintain the health of grassland ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Agro-Ecology for Grassland-Based Farming Systems)
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10 pages, 4176 KiB  
Article
Below-Plant Mirrors Improve Serianthes Seedling Survival and Growth in Shade
by Thomas E. Marler
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081854 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 901
Abstract
Recruitment failures of Serianthes nelsonii are among the threats to this species’ recovery, yet adaptive management research to understand the causes of seedling mortality is lacking. Insufficient available light in the in situ forest floor is one factor that may be involved, and [...] Read more.
Recruitment failures of Serianthes nelsonii are among the threats to this species’ recovery, yet adaptive management research to understand the causes of seedling mortality is lacking. Insufficient available light in the in situ forest floor is one factor that may be involved, and below-plant reflection of incident light may improve seedling survival. Mirrors were placed beneath S. nelsonii, Serianthes grandiflora, and Serianthes kanehirae seedlings in container nursery conditions and S. grandiflora seedlings in a closed-canopy forest to determine the influence of the additional reflected light on seedling survival and growth. Below-plant mirrors increased nursery seedling survival for S. nelsonii and S. kanehirae, with 75% combined survival without mirrors and 88% combined survival with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased stem height by 51% for the three species, with greater stem diameter and ending leaf number also occurring for plants with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased S. grandiflora seedling survival to 161% and longevity to 236% compared to plants without mirrors under forest cover. The plants receiving mirrors also increased by 175% in height, 60% in stem diameter, and 117% in leaf number compared to the plants without mirrors. These findings indicate that passive solar engineering by exploiting below-plant light reflection may be used as a Serianthes conservation protocol to improve seedling survival and growth under shaded conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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18 pages, 12379 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Wheat Planting Density by Adjusting Population Structure and Stabilizing Stem Strength to Achieve High and Stable Yields
by Suwei Feng, Chenchen Shi, Peiyu Wang, Sujing Chang, Chaoyang Liu, Chenwei Shen, Shilong Li, Tiezhu Hu and Zhengang Ru
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081853 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 386
Abstract
Increasing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) planting density is the most effective production management method for increasing yields; however, excessive crop populations under high planting densities may experience elevated risk of stem lodging. We conducted this study to assess the relationship between reduced [...] Read more.
Increasing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) planting density is the most effective production management method for increasing yields; however, excessive crop populations under high planting densities may experience elevated risk of stem lodging. We conducted this study to assess the relationship between reduced lodging and increased yield, investigate the effects of planting density on wheat population structure, stem strength, and material transport, and provide a basis for rationale planting densities. The experiments were carried out using a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plots contained two wheat varieties: Bainong 5819 (BN5819) and Bainong 4199 (BN4199), and the sub-plots contained four planting density treatments: 90 × 104 plants/ha (D1), 180 × 104 plants/ha (D2), 270 × 104 plants/ha (D3), and 360 × 104 plants/ha (D4). A two-year field trial was conducted in 2021–2023. The relationships between population structure characteristics, changes in stem strength, activation, and retransport of stem material after anthesis, and achievement of high and stable yields were investigated at the different planting densities. When the planting density of wheat increased from D1 to D4 treatment, the activity of fructan hydrolase was significantly increased. Compared with D1 treatment, the highest activity of fructan hydrolase was increased by 457.47 μg/h/g under D4 treatment. At the same time, the increase of density also increased the contribution rate of dry matter accumulation (CDMA) to grain after anthesis increased, with the highest increase in CDMA at 33.67%, which significantly reduced stem strength. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between CDMA and stem strength. Specifically, CDMA levels were significantly lower with the D3 treatment than the D4 treatment, while stem strength remained higher after anthesis as an adaptive response to mitigate lodging risk. Stem storage compounds can promote grain filling and a weight increase in inferior grains. The number of spikes per unit area increased significantly with increasing planting density, but the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight decreased significantly. In two years, the number of spikes in D3 treatment increased by a maximum of 211.67 × 104 ha−1 and 99.17 × 104 ha−1, respectively, compared to D1 and D2 treatments. The number of grains per spike was significantly higher than that of D4 treatment, the highest being 3.68 grains. Therefore, in the North China Plain with suitable water, fertilizer, and temperature, the sowing density of 270 × 104 plants/ha established population structure, significantly reduced CDMA, maintained post-anthesis stem strength, enhanced resilience of stems against post-anthesis lodging, and resulted in high yields by stabilizing the number of grains per spike and increasing the number of wheat spikes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Optimizing Plants and Cultivation System for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))
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13 pages, 2664 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Struvite on Biomass and Soil Phosphorus Availability and Uptake in Chinese Cabbage, Cowpea, and Maize
by Linglulu Sun, Bingli Wei, Dongxun Wu, Kai Sun, Jiabin Jiao and Wei Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081852 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), a mineral with low water solubility that can be recovered from industrial wastewater, has the potential to be used as a slow-release phosphorus (P) fertilizer. However, the effect of struvite on the yield and P [...] Read more.
Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), a mineral with low water solubility that can be recovered from industrial wastewater, has the potential to be used as a slow-release phosphorus (P) fertilizer. However, the effect of struvite on the yield and P uptake efficiency of different crops remains unclear. In this study, the effects of struvite, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and a mixed fertilizer consisting of struvite + DAP (MIX) on biomass, P uptake, and soil P fractions of Chinese cabbage, cowpea, and maize were investigated in pot experiments. The results showed that compared to DAP, the mixed fertilizer reduced the biomass of Chinese cabbage by 47%, while there was no difference in the biomass of cowpea and maize under P fertilizer application. There was no difference in total P concentration in Chinese cabbage and cowpea plants between DAP and MIX, while total P concentration in maize under mixed fertilizer treatment decreased by 16.73% compared to DAP treatment. Compared to DAP, the MIX treatment reduced total P uptake in Chinese cabbage and maize by 45.82% and 33.41%, respectively, with no direct difference in cowpea. Soil Olsen-P and CaCl2-P concentrations were highest in DAP among the different treatments. The MIX treatment significantly increased the water-soluble P in Chinese cabbage and cowpea by 5.87% and 5.23%, respectively, while the water-soluble P in maize was lower in the mixed fertilizer treatment than in the DAP treatment. In addition, mixed fertilizer significantly increased soil pH and soil phosphatase activity compared to DAP. This result suggested that among the three treatments of struvite, DAP, and MIX, struvite had the weakest effect on crop growth. In addition, among the three crops, Chinese cabbage, cowpea, and maize, the compatibility between struvite and maize was the highest. These results provide valuable insights for the future application of struvite in agricultural production for achieving stable yields while mitigating environmental risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
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18 pages, 7639 KiB  
Article
Improved Tunicate Swarm Optimization Based Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network for Classification of Leaf Diseases and Nutrient Deficiencies in Rice (Oryza)
by R. Sherline Jesie and M. S. Godwin Premi
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081851 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 426
Abstract
In Asia, rice is the most consumed grain by humans, serving as a staple food in India. The yield of rice paddies is easily affected by nutrient deficiencies and leaf diseases. To overcome this problem and improve the yield productivity of rice, nutrient [...] Read more.
In Asia, rice is the most consumed grain by humans, serving as a staple food in India. The yield of rice paddies is easily affected by nutrient deficiencies and leaf diseases. To overcome this problem and improve the yield productivity of rice, nutrient deficiency and leaf disease identification are essential. The main nutrient elements in paddies are potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen (PPN), the deficiency of any of which strongly affects the rice plants. When multiple nutrient elements are deficient, the leaf color of the rice plants is altered. To overcome this problem, optimal nutrient delivery is required. Hence, the present study proposes the use of Fuzzy C Means clustering (FCM) with Improved Tunicate Swarm Optimization (ITSO) to segment the lesions in rice plant leaves and identify the deficient nutrients. The proposed ITSO integrates the Tunicate Swarm Optimization (TSO) and Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) approaches. The Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (HCNN), a deep learning model, is used with ITSO to classify the rice leaf diseases, as well as nutrient deficiencies in the leaves. Two datasets, namely, a field work dataset and a Kaggle dataset, were used for the present study. The proposed HCNN-ITSO classified Bacterial Leaf Bright (BLB), Narrow Brown Leaf Spot (NBLS), Sheath Rot (SR), Brown Spot (BS), and Leaf Smut (LS) in the field work dataset. Furthermore, the potassium-, phosphorus-, and nitrogen-deficiency-presenting leaves were classified using the proposed HCNN-ITSO in the Kaggle dataset. The MATLAB platform was used for experimental analysis in the field work and Kaggle datasets in terms of various performance measures. When compared to previous methods, the proposed method achieved the best accuracies of 98.8% and 99.01% in the field work and Kaggle datasets, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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17 pages, 5611 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Hemin Increases the Yield, Phenolic Compound Content, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Dragon Fruit during the High-Temperature Period
by Minmin Sun, Aaqil Khan, Jiahui Wang, Linchong Ding, Xiaohui Yang, Jian Xiong, Zhiyuan Sun, Naijie Feng and Dianfeng Zheng
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081850 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 585
Abstract
Dragon fruits have abundant nutritional and antioxidant properties. High temperatures limit the growth and production of dragon fruits. Hemin can effectively alleviate abiotic stress in plants. However, the regulatory effect of Hemin on dragon fruit under heat stress remains unclear. In this study, [...] Read more.
Dragon fruits have abundant nutritional and antioxidant properties. High temperatures limit the growth and production of dragon fruits. Hemin can effectively alleviate abiotic stress in plants. However, the regulatory effect of Hemin on dragon fruit under heat stress remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impacts of foliar application of Hemin on dragon fruit size, yield and quality during the high temperatures of the summer season. In this experiment, dragon fruit variety ‘Jindu No. 1’ was used as material and treated with three Hemin concentrations, i.e., H1: 1 μmol.L−1, H2: 10 μmol.L−1, H3: 100 μmol.L−1, compared with CK: control. The results show that exogenous Hemin increased the single fruit weight, yield, fruit shape index and edible rate. It also improved pericarp L* value, a* value, C* and decreased ho, improving the peel colour; exogenous Hemin enhanced soluble solids content and phenolic compounds content and antioxidant enzyme activities in the pulp of dragon fruit. In addition, exogenous Hemin increased the content of chlorophyll content in dragon fruit stems. Differential metabolites determined by metabolomic assay also indicated that Hemin significantly increased the content of active substances such as selagin. Additionally, the Hemin treatment H2 also activated the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), which helps to mitigate the effects of high temperatures on dragon fruit. The current findings strongly advocate that H2 treatment may effectively counteract the adverse effects of heat stress by regulating the morph-physiological and antioxidant traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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16 pages, 3170 KiB  
Article
Comparative Physiological and Gene Expression Analyses Provide Insights into Ion Transports and Osmotic Adjustment of Sweet Sorghum under Salt Stress
by Jie Kang, Xiao-Long Wang, Shi-Jie Yan, Huan Guo and Yan-Nong Cui
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081849 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Sweet sorghum is an important sugar crop and forage with a strong tolerance to soil salinity. We have previously analyzed the ion accumulation traits and transcriptome of a sweet sorghum cultivar under NaCl treatments. However, the mechanisms underlying Na+, K+ [...] Read more.
Sweet sorghum is an important sugar crop and forage with a strong tolerance to soil salinity. We have previously analyzed the ion accumulation traits and transcriptome of a sweet sorghum cultivar under NaCl treatments. However, the mechanisms underlying Na+, K+, Cl−, and NO3− transports and the osmotic adjustment of sweet sorghum under salt stresses need further investigations. In this study, the growth, photosynthesis, inorganic ion and organic solute contents, and leaf osmotic adjustment ability of the sweet sorghum cultivars “Lvjuren” and “Fengtian” under NaCl treatments were determined; meanwhile, the expressions of key genes associated with the Na+, K+, Cl−, and NO3− transport were analyzed using the qRT-PCR method. The results showed that NaCl treatments more severely inhibited the growth and photosynthesis of “Lvjuren” than those of “Fengtian”. After NaCl treatments, “Fengtian” could more efficiently restrict the overaccumulation of Na+ and Cl− in leaf blades than “Lvjuren” by withholding large amounts of Na+ in the roots or reserving high quantities of Cl− in the leaf sheaths, which could be attributed to the upregulated expressions of SbNHX2, SbHKT1;4, SbHKT1;5, SbCLCc, and SbCLCg or the downregulated expression of SbNPF6.4. “Fengtian” exhibited significantly lower leaf osmotic potential but higher leaf water potential and turgor pressure under NaCl treatments, suggesting that the former possessed a stronger osmotic ability than the latter. The contents of K+, NO3−, soluble sugar, and betaine in leaf blades, as well as the contributions of these osmolytes to the leaf osmotic potential, in “Fengtian” were significantly higher than those in “Lvjuren”. In addition, the upregulated expressions of SbAKT1, SbHAK5, SbSKOR, SbNPF3.1, SbNPF6.3, and SbNPF7.3 should be responsible for maintaining K+ and NO3− homeostasis under NaCl treatment. These results lay a foundation for uncovering the salt tolerance mechanisms of sweet sorghum and large-scale cultivation of this species in saline areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Stress Biology of Forage and Turfgrass)
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19 pages, 3223 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study of Yield-Related Traits in a Nested Association Mapping Population Grown in Kazakhstan
by Akerke Amalova, Simon Griffiths, Saule Abugalieva and Yerlan Turuspekov
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081848 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 516
Abstract
This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population in the UK, consisting of 24 hybrid families. All genotypes were grown in Southeastern Kazakhstan (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty region, 2021–2022) and Northern [...] Read more.
This study evaluated 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) population in the UK, consisting of 24 hybrid families. All genotypes were grown in Southeastern Kazakhstan (Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Almaty region, 2021–2022) and Northern Kazakhstan (Alexandr Barayev Scientific-Production Center for Grain Farming, Akmola region, 2020). The studied traits included six yield-related characteristics: spike length (SL, cm), number of productive spikes per plant (NPS, pcs), number of kernels per spike (NKS, pcs), weight of kernels per spike (WKS, g), thousand kernel weight (TKW, g), and yield per square meter (YM2, g/m2). The significant phenotypic variability among genotypes was observed, which was suitable for the genome-wide association study of yield-related traits. Pearson’s index showed positive correlations among most yield-related traits, although a negative correlation was found between NKS and TKW in southeastern regions, and no correlation was recorded for northern regions. Top-performing RILs, surpassing local checks, were identified for NKS, TKW, and YM2, suggesting their potential for breeding programs. The application of GWAS allowed the identification of 72 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including 36 QTLs in the southeastern region, 16 QTLs in the northern region, and 19 in both locations. Eleven QTLs matched those reported in previous QTL mapping studies and GWAS for studied traits. The results can be used for further studies related to the adaptation and productivity of wheat in breeding projects for higher grain productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marker Assisted Selection and Molecular Breeding in Major Crops)
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16 pages, 1277 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Yield and Quality Properties of Radish by the Organic Fertilizer Application Combined with the Reduction of Chemical Fertilizer
by Duo Jin, Zewei Lu, Xiangcan Song, Golam Jalal Ahammed, Yan Yan and Shuangchen Chen
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081847 - 21 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Chemical fertilizers can improve crop productivity, but irrational fertilization often results in low crop quality and yield, poor soil fertility, and severe environmental pollution. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted with a close focus on the cultivation of radish in high mountain regions, [...] Read more.
Chemical fertilizers can improve crop productivity, but irrational fertilization often results in low crop quality and yield, poor soil fertility, and severe environmental pollution. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted with a close focus on the cultivation of radish in high mountain regions, a widely cultivated root vegetable known for its nutritional value and economic importance. Here, a method of reducing chemical fertilizers combined with the application of organic fertilizers is proposed upon studying four different ratios of chemical and organic fertilizers, including control (375 kg·ha−1 chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·ha−1 organic fertilizer) and combinations (T1: 12% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·ha−1 organic fertilizer; T2: 20% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·ha−1 organic fertilizer; T3: 28% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·ha−1 organic fertilizer). Their effects on radish quality, yield, and soil environment were investigated. Compared with the control group, T2 significantly increased radish yield by 12.92% and improved the contents of vitamin C, soluble sugars, sulforaphane soluble solids, and titratable acidity in the radish roots by 10.62%, 2.15%, 50.00%, 26.90%, and 43.90%, respectively. The soil nutrient content was increased by the T2 treatment, with a 7.69% and 14.29% increase in total nitrogen and total phosphorus content, respectively, compared with the control. Moreover, soil urease activity, sucrase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and catalase activity were significantly enhanced by the T2 treatment, showing an improvement of 11.13%, 44.30%, 26.41%, and 9.33% compared with the control, respectively (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of beneficial bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria was increased in the T2 treatment, potentially helping to maintain better soil health and long-term fertility. In summary, a promising fertilizer management strategy is herein unveiled through the reduction of chemical fertilizers and the application of organic fertilizer that not only improves radish yield and quality but also optimizes the soil environment, providing an effective means for sustainable crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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Article
HvWOX3A Gene Controls Plant Height and Leaf Size in Barley
by Xinyao Hong, Hui Deng, Yuxuan Zhao, Jiang Qi, Xinyu Huang, Chao Lv, Feifei Wang, Juan Zhu, Rugen Xu and Baojian Guo
Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081846 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Plant height and leaf morphology are considered complex agronomy traits; both are significantly related to nutrient utilization, lodging resistance, and photosynthetic efficiency, which ultimately affect biomass and yield. However, the molecular mechanism of leaf morphogenesis is still unclear. WOX is a group of [...] Read more.
Plant height and leaf morphology are considered complex agronomy traits; both are significantly related to nutrient utilization, lodging resistance, and photosynthetic efficiency, which ultimately affect biomass and yield. However, the molecular mechanism of leaf morphogenesis is still unclear. WOX is a group of plant-specific transcription factor families that regulate growth and development, cell division, and differentiation in plants. In the present study, we identified and characterized the m-876 mutant in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), which exhibited an extreme reduction in leaf width and plant height. Using a map-based cloning strategy, the m-876 mutant was narrowed down to an 11.4 Mb genomic interval on the long arm of chromosome 5. By analyzing the gene annotation information and nucleotide sequences, we found that HvWOX3A (HORVU.MOREX.r3.5HG0467090) had a G-to-A substitution at the second exon in the m-876 mutant, resulting in a change of the coding amino acid from Tryptophan to a premature stop codon at the 200th amino acid position. Remarkably, the mutation of the HvWOX3A gene leads to changes in gene expression in the m-876 mutant. Collectively, our results indicate that the loss function of the HORVU.MOREX.r3.5HG0467090 gene might be responsible for the phenotypic variation in barley mutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Barley Genetic Resources: Advancing Conservation and Applications for Breeding – Series II)
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